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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Inventory Clerk

💰 $30,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseInventory ManagementSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Inventory Clerk is responsible for day-to-day inventory control activities that ensure accurate stock records, timely receiving and putaway, efficient order fulfillment support, and minimal shrinkage. This role combines physical warehouse tasks with data entry, reconciliation, and continuous improvement efforts using warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and ERP integrations. The ideal candidate demonstrates attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with receiving, shipping, purchasing, and quality teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Material Handler / Warehouse Associate
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Retail Stock Associate

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping Coordinator
  • Forklift Operator / Certified Lift Driver
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct daily cycle counts, blind counts, and full physical inventories to maintain and improve inventory accuracy; document count variances and follow up with root-cause analysis and corrective action plans.
  • Receive inbound freight, verify packing lists and purchase orders, inspect goods for damage and quantity discrepancies, and perform accurate system receiving in the WMS/ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Perform putaway activities, assign stock to correct bin locations using FIFO/LIFO principles and location optimization strategies, and update system locations in real time.
  • Reconcile inventory discrepancies by investigating bin-level variances, locating missing product, and adjusting stock records per company policy while maintaining an audit trail.
  • Prepare and process inventory adjustments, transfer requests, and cycle count exceptions in the WMS; coordinate approvals and communicate changes to purchasing and operations teams.
  • Pick and stage inventory for order fulfillment or production support, verify SKU and quantities against pick sheets or electronic pick tickets, and ensure picks are accurate for shipment.
  • Label, barcode, and repackage items as required to meet receiving, regulatory, or customer specifications; maintain clear and scannable labeling standards.
  • Operate RF scanners, handheld devices, and mobile terminals to scan product for receipts, picks, transfers, and counts; troubleshoot basic device and scanner issues.
  • Maintain up-to-date inventory records in Excel and inventory modules, produce routine inventory reports (accuracy rate, shrinkage, days-of-inventory) and present findings to supervisors.
  • Coordinate with Purchasing on short-dated or overstock items, support replenishment decisions by reporting low-stock alerts and suggesting reorder points based on usage patterns.
  • Facilitate internal and external audits by preparing requested inventory reports, providing documentation, escorting auditors through warehouse locations, and executing corrective actions.
  • Manage returns processing and RTN (return-to-vendor) workflows: inspect returned goods, quarantine as needed, update system status, and coordinate disposition with quality control.
  • Support cross-dock operations by receiving scheduled shipments, verifying manifests, and staging cargo for immediate outbound movement to minimize handling and storage time.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate kitting and bill-of-materials inventory for production or assembly lines; gather components and confirm kit completeness prior to release.
  • Implement and follow safety, security, and loss-prevention protocols in the warehouse; escalate incidents, document damaged or missing goods, and participate in safety audits.
  • Collaborate with shipping teams to reconcile manifest and shipment quantities, prepare ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) documentation, and confirm carrier pickups to prevent shipping errors.
  • Execute inventory cycle count schedules and statistical sampling plans to focus resources on high-value or high-turn SKUs and improve overall stock accuracy.
  • Use data analysis and historical consumption trends to identify slow-moving, obsolete, or excess stock and recommend disposition or markdown strategies to reduce carrying costs.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and clearly labeled storage areas; implement 5S and continuous improvement techniques to reduce search time and increase throughput.
  • Train and cross-train associates on inventory procedures, WMS workflow best practices, and proper handling of sensitive or hazardous materials to ensure consistent execution.
  • Create and maintain inventory control documentation, SOPs, and job aids to standardize processes and ensure regulatory and internal compliance.
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including inventory accuracy, order fill rate, on-time receiving, and cycle count completion; proactively propose process improvements to meet targets.
  • Coordinate inter-departmental communication between warehouse, purchasing, sales, and finance to resolve inventory discrepancies, valuation concerns, and timing issues.
  • Assist in special projects such as warehouse relocations, implementation of new WMS modules, RFID or barcode rollouts, and system data clean-up initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory and data requests for finance, operations, and customer service teams, producing clear reports and actionable insights.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen), contributing front-line observations and helping to pilot process changes that improve accuracy and throughput.
  • Cross-train in related warehouse functions—shipping, receiving, returns, and replenishment—to provide operational coverage during peak periods or staffing shortages.
  • Help maintain cycle count calendars, assign counters, and verify completion of scheduled counts to meet audit and operational requirements.
  • Assist with vendor shipments and coordination for direct returns or exchanges, ensuring vendors receive accurate RMA documentation and timelines.
  • Provide input to procurement and planning teams on minimum/max reorder points and safety stock recommendations based on observed lead times and variability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as SAP WM/EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, or NetSuite.
  • Experience with barcode/RFID systems and RF handheld scanners for receiving, picking, and cycle counting.
  • Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, PivotTables, data filtering) for inventory reconciliation and reporting.
  • Familiarity with ERP inventory modules and transaction life cycles (receipts, transfers, adjustments, returns).
  • Ability to perform inventory reconciliation and journal entries, with attention to audit trails and documentation.
  • Knowledge of inventory valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average) and their implications on reporting.
  • Competence in preparing and maintaining inventory KPIs and dashboards (accuracy rate, shrinkage, turns).
  • Experience creating and following standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving, putaway, and cycle counts.
  • Basic forklift/pallet jack operation or willingness to obtain certification (if applicable).
  • Strong data entry accuracy and speed, with experience working in high-volume warehouse environments.
  • Familiarity with shipping documentation (ASN, BOL, packing lists) and carrier coordination processes.
  • Ability to use handheld mobile devices, label printers, and warehouse printing systems.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high inventory accuracy.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in researching root causes and corrective actions.
  • Clear written and verbal communication to interact with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize cycle counts, receiving, and reconciliation tasks.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to train others and work collaboratively across shifts.
  • Adaptability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic warehouse environment.
  • Accountability and integrity when handling inventory adjustments and audit documentation.
  • Customer-service orientation to support internal customers and external partners with timely information.
  • Initiative to suggest process improvements and support continuous improvement projects.
  • Physical stamina and ability to perform repetitive lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods as required.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Inventory Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of warehouse or inventory experience; entry-level candidates with strong data skills considered.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of hands-on inventory control, cycle counting, and WMS experience in a distribution or manufacturing environment. Experience with ERP integrations and audit support is a plus.
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